Posts from — April 2009

If Asian Arowanas are still off-limits due to regulations and restrictions in your area, consider an alternative that has color, attitude, and size. The Australian Arowanas may not be quite as brilliant in hue as their Asian cousins, but both species possess interesting color patterns, large and distinct scales, and the same habits and care requirements as Scleropages Formosus.

Although they take longer to mature than any other Arowana species, neither of the Saratogas (as Australian Arowanas are called) is endangered. Both are generally available for purchase at much more modest prices than Asian Arowanas.

There are two separate species of Saratogas: Scleropages Jardini and Scleropages leichardti. There are some notable differences between the two including geographical location.

Northern Saratogas: Pearl Arowanas

Scleropages jardini are commonly known as Northern Saratogas, or Pearl Arowanas. As their name denotes, they are found in freshwater, coastal areas of Northeastern Australia. They are also native to New Guinea.

Northern Saratogas appear longer and narrower than Asian Arowanas. Their bodies are grey to golden in color with characteristically shiny scales sporting crescent shapes. The crescent shapes are made up of between one and three yellow-orange or red spots – the ‘pearls’ behind their common name. Northern Saratoga’s fins and tails are also spotted red. Unlike the Southern Saratoga, a pattern of undulating lines or dots may also decorate the gill plates of the Pearl Arowana.

Pearl Arowanas are generally larger than the Southern Saratogas. They may grow up to 35 inches in the wild. Although it is claimed they can reach up to 60lbs, 38 lbs. is the maximum recorded weight. In the aquarium, they tend to reach 25 – 30 inches.

Northern Saratogas are considered much more aggressive in the wild or in captivity than any other Arowana species. They are popular among Sport anglers due to their feisty and tenacious attitude.

Southern Saratogas: Spotted Arowanas

Scleropages leichardti are referred to as Southern Saratogas, or Spotted Arowanas. They are found in the Dawson/Fitzroy River system in Queensland, Australia, where they populate many tributary lakes and rivers. Southern Saratogas have also been established in non-native lakes and dams throughout other areas in the South.

Spotted Arowanas appear more green or silvery-green than Pearl Arowanas. Their spots do not decorate each scale on their flanks: instead, red-orange spots appear in rows that horizontally span their lengths. Lines of red spots are also present on their fins and tails. Fins and tails may match body-coloration, or appear somewhat darker. In general, Spotted Arowanas have smaller spots than Northern Saratogas.

Southern Saratogas may command a slightly higher price than Northern Saratogas. Hobbyists claim Spotted Arowanas are more tenacious leapers than the Pearl variety.

Saratogas in the Aquarium

Saratogas require nearly identical habitats and care to Asian Arowanas. Very large tanks with sturdy, leap-proof lids are a must. Water must be kept immaculately clean to promote optimum health of Saratogas. They should be fed high quality, live foods and a variety of commercial foods, as well.

Australian Arowanas are susceptible to many of the same illnesses and diseases as South-eastern varieties. Make use of a quarantine tank when introducing tank mates or live foods to prevent parasite infestation of your Australian Arowana tank.

In addition, take care to carefully acclimatize wild-caught Saratogas. When considering a fish for purchase from your local fish shop, observe it on site for several days to weeks to be sure it is healthy. Ask to see the fish fed to ensure it has a healthy appetite. Check carefully for parasites, wounds, or fungal infections. Mimic the water conditions of the successfully kept source tank carefully at home, and avoid stressing the newly arrived Saratoga for several days.

Unless you have an extremely large tank or pond, keep only one Australian Arowana and keep tank mates to a minimum. Saratogas (especially the Northern variety) are notoriously aggressive. Choose tank mates carefully and be prepared for altercations and the possibility of fighting and injury. Only large, bottom-dwelling fish or fast-moving, mid-tank swimmers are likely to be successful tank mates for an Australian Arowana.

Steven Yeoh is an avid arowana fish lover who is also involved with an asian arowana breeding farm. If you find his arowana information helpful, make sure that you sign up for his 7 days ecourse for the “New Arowana Hobbyists” at his main site as well as visit his very useful and informative blog.

Main site: arowana-care.com arowana-care.com

Arowana blog: arowana-care.com/aroblog arowana-care.com/aroblog

If Loose Park were a dog, it might be a poodle. The centerpiece of the 80-acre park
at Wornall Road and 51st Street donated by Ella Loose in 1929 is an elegant rose
garden encircled by classical walkways. The manicured grounds are a far cry from
October 22, 1864 when the Battle of Westport – “the Gettysburg of the West” – was
fought near here. That day the greatest clash of Civil War troops west of the
Mississippi River ended the Confederacy hopes in the West. Today, markers describe
the battle. You can exercise your dog on a rolling path around Loose Park and in the
large, grassy center of the greenspace.

Twenty minutes to the northwest you can hike with your dog for hours at Weston
Bend State Park. When Lewis and Clark reached the Weston area on July 2, 1804, the
rich soils on the banks of the Missouri River had already been under cultivation by
Indian tribes for hundreds of years.

The piers in the Missouri River were so busy shipping hemp that by 1858 Weston
was considered the largest hemp port in the world. It has been tobacco, however,
that has driven the area economy from then to now. The park contains five tobacco
barns and an interpretive display on the history of tobacco production in the
community.

Fires and floods retarded the development of Weston following the Civil War and
Lewis and Clark might recognize the same scenic views from park bluffs today as
the same ones they saw 200 years ago.

The sporty canine hikes in the 1,133-acre park run up and down hills that formed
on the edges of retreating glaciers. There is a cornucopia of interesting trails to
choose from.

The dog-friendly park’s multi-purpose trail is a 3-mile asphalt loop through
wooded corridors. Energetic hikers will want to jump onto the dirt paths of the
Harpst Trail when it intersects the paved trail. This one-mile loop traipses along the
Missouri River bluffs until reaching the remains of the famous Harpst Orchards that
once produced peaches for English royalty.

The Missouri River Trail takes your dog directly to the edge of the Missouri River and
the Bear Creek Trail explores the former channel of the Missouri before a major shift
in the river in 1858. Both trails are less than one mile.

Two more short trails worth checking out are the Barn Trail and McCormick Trail,
both mown areas near the park office. The McCormick Trail leads to a warehouse of
a distillery in continuous operation since 1858.

Weston Bend State Park is on the west side of Highway 45 heading out of Kansas
City.

copyright 2006

Doug Gelbert is the author of over 20 books, including The Canine Hiker’s Bible.
To subscribe to his FREE Newsletter on hiking with your dog and receive a copy
of Rules for Dogs in 100 of the Most Popular National Park Service Lands, visit
hikewithyourdog.com hikewithyourdog.com In the warmer months he leads canine hikes
for hikewithyourdog.com tours, guiding packs of dogs and humans on hiking
adventures. Tours, ranging from one-day trips to multi-day explorations, visit
parks, historical sites and beaches.

One of the most pressing issues with a new puppy is getting your new puppy potty trained. Luckily, potty training your puppy doesn’t have to be difficult. This article will show you some tips on potty training your puppy.

First, you need to understand that puppies are like babies and they simply make messes because they don’t know better and can’t understand their urges. Your puppy doesn’t mean to ruin your good carpet; he simply doesn’t know that he has to go potty.

A puppy’s ability to feel the need to go potty develops as they age, much like children. You can help your puppy potty train faster by developing a schedule for your puppy to follow. Take the puppy out at the same times every day to allow the puppy to become accustomed to a schedule.

Especially if you aren’t home during the day, you can expect there to be accidents while you puppy is learning potty training. You can help this a bit by putting down newspapers for the puppy to relieve himself on, but it will take additional training for the puppy to know this is for emergencies. When accidents happen, don’t get upset – just clean up and disinfect the area.

You can learn to recognize some of the signs that your puppy needs to be taken out for potty. When you see your puppy acting a certain way, it may be time to take them out.

Here are some signs that a puppy needs to go potty:

* Restlessness
* Sniffing a spot they had previously soiled
* Whimpering and wining
* Distraction from play

As each puppy is unique, you will soon learn to recognize the signs in your dog. When your puppy begins to exhibit this potty signal it is time to take them out for a walk and direct them to go in the place you want them to use.

When your puppy does well, remember to praise him. Praise reinforces to the puppy that they have done the right thing and will make them happy to do it again to seek more praise.

Although potty training your puppy can be tedious, it is just a matter of being consistent and patient with your new pup long enough for their minds and bladders to mature and adapt to your training. With patience and time, your puppy will potty train and accidents will be a ting of the past.

For more information on freedogtrainingtips.net/Puppy_Potty_Training.html Puppy Potty Training, visit freedogtrainingtips.net Free Dog Training Tips

The Chinese Crested is a loving and affectionate little dog that needs to be kept indoors due to temperature sensitivity. She is fairly active indoors and just needs that occasional walk. She can tend to dig and climb but barks little. She needs special care with her teeth and hairless varieties need their skin moisturized. It can be very difficult to find puppies for sale.

Good With Children?

They love children and are generally very affectionate. They are a delicate breed so children need to be very careful not to injure them. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Good With Other Pets?

They generally do well with other pets, especially if socialized with them early on.

Temperament

This is a very loving and affectionate dog.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Chinese Crested is approximately 9 to 13 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and around 5 to 12 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Chinese Crested is no exception. Be on the look out for skin allergies, patella luxation (congenital condition in which the kneecap dislocates), Legg-Perthes disease (hip joint disease, proabably genetic, affects hip joint and results in arthritis or inflamation and pain and lameness). The hairless variety appears to have more medical issues than the Powderpuffs (fully haired variety). The hairless will need sunscreen if exposed to much sun, plus they can have teeth problems and should not be given hard chew items like bones. Additionally, the hairless versions may have allergic reactions to wool and lanolin. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties, one with hair on just the head, tail and feet and the other completely covered in hair called the Powderpuff. The Powderpuff has a double soft and silky coat which can tangle easily. She needs to be groomed daily to help keep her from matting. The hairless needs bathing frequently and oils rubbed into her skin, but avoid lanolin or products containing lanolin. They do not shed much and may be a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Life Span

The Chinese Crested can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History of Chinese Crested

They were developed in thirteenth century China through mixing the Chihuahua and Mexican Hairless Dog. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1991.

Some Registries

American Chinese Crested Club
UKC United Kennel Club
NKC National Kennel Club
CKC Continental Kennel Club
APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
AKC American Kennel Club
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
ACR American Canine Registry

Litter Size

2 to 4 Chinese Crested puppies

Category

Toy

Terms To Describe

Loving, playful, entertaining, friendly, fine boned, graceful, elegant, loving, gay, alert

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Odorless when hairless.
Loving companion dog.
They do not bark much.
This is a very clean dog.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

They like to climb.
They are diggers.
Can be injured due to the lack of protective hair.
They can have bad breath.
High and low temperature sensitivity.

Other Names Known By

Chinese Powder Puff

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Copyright 2006, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

About the Author
Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. petpages.com PetPages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info. Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

A cat may contract different types of urinary tract problems. The one that stands out is the feline lower urinary tract disease. This disorder may become fatal if not treated properly. This type of cat urinary health problem is also known as FLUTD. Other types of cat urinary tract infections are the non-obstruction and the urologic syndrome. The non-obstructive urinary infection is common, but does not happen often in cats.

FLUTD, a Cat Urinary Health Problem

This urinary tract disease affects the bladder and in some cases the urethral. Cats suffer a great deal of pain and a feeling of discomfort when experiencing a feline lower urinary tract disease. If this disease is not properly treated and corrected the cat may become totally disabled and unable to urine causing death.

Your Cat Display’s Symptoms

One symptom that may cause you to seek medical help is the cat’s inability to urine or has difficulties when trying to urinate. Because of the disease, the cat will only release a small amount of urine after long periods of trying to urine. Cats who are suffering a great deal are known to howl or cry while trying to pass urine. Blood in the urine along with a bout of vomiting might also accompany this disease.

Cat FLUTD Causes

No scientific information points to one specific reason for cat’s getting feline lower urinary tract health problems. Some time’s bacterial and a viral microorganism can cause this disease in older cats. Speculation about bladder stones and tumors may also cause this condition in cats. In many cases, cats do not receive adequate water intake and some time’s stress may cause this along with a rich mineral diet.

How to Treat FLUTD

If the condition is a result of crystal formation, you may try changing the cat food diet for the cat to prevent any formations from occurring. Once you find the right diet, you need to continue the diet for the rest of the cat’s life to prevent any more occurrences. This measure should be tried at the onset of problem urination from your cat. Early detection is vital to the cat’s recovery and health.

Provide adequate water and encourage your cat to drink. Some cats may need some help with a commercial favoring to attract their sense of taste and smell. The water intake helps keep the bladder working properly and works the same as cranberry juice does for humans. This treatment and preventive measure provides the cat with a clean and healthy urinary tract for years of good companionship.

If your cat has a urinary tract infection caused by bacterial, your vet will prescribe an antibiotic to clear the infection along with plenty of water and a proper diet. Surgery to remove a tumor that may cause the problem should prevent the cat from suffering from this problem again. If the feline lower urinary tract disease affects the urethra, your cat may need some observation and a catheter to correct the blockage.

You can also find more information at aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Ear_Issues.php Cat Ear Issues and aboutcathealth.org/cat/Cat_Health_Issues/Eye_Health.php Cat Eye Health.Aboutcathealth.org is a comprehensive resource to find more information about cat health.

Dog parks should be delightful places where dogs and their owners can socialize, relax, and play games that their species enjoy, not hotbeds of aggression dog dominance and other bad dog instinctive behavior. Instead, though, the dog park becomes a war zone for many dogs and their owners, an apparent show of the machismo of dog dominance behavior. Dog walkers bring anxious, over-excited, and nervous dogs to the park, usually full of pent-up energy and without prior exercise. Then they let them off leash to run and mix with other dogs at the park. They usually do not know or consider the attitude the dog brings there, if he will cause or attract trouble. Then they often become preoccupied chatting with people they see or on the cell phone… until trouble erupts!

The problem is that the doggie newcomer to the park is now left with the responsibility of finding both psychological challenge and physical release for himself. His choice ways are not always good …

A mentally unchallenged or unstable animal will walk into a group of dogs and try to challenge himself psychologically by asserting himself forcefully over other dogs. That is to be expected, because that is dog instinctive behavior that you will find in the wild in dog packs. Bored, unchallenged dogs determine that they want the same ball, the same frisbee, the same toy …. So they will start fights, frequently among several dogs, and it is hard for inexperienced people to break them up.

So, to avoid dog aggression or dog dominance behavior in a dog park, be sure your dog has had a forty-five minute walk under disciplined circumstances (on a heel) FIRST. That will have satisfied much of his need for physical and psychological challenge. The park should not be his first “release!”

Bring him in the park’s gate or entrance behind you on a heel, so it is apparent to the rest of the dogs that the newcomer is under control and does not need to be shown the rules of the house by THEM. Realize that if your dog is not under control when he comes in, the other dogs will sense this and will seek to control him for you!

What happens? One dog will pin yours down, and everyone else will want to be sure they have made the “cut it out!” point clear to him. They will nip him and beat him up. Dogs do not put up with instability among the pack. The excited, fearful, and aggressive dogs are the likely ones to be taught a lesson.

I have broken up many a dog fight and will continue to do this when needed. I am reluctant, however, to release HOW in an article or newsletter, because a mistake on your part can lead to nasty results. Meet with a dog behavior modification professional to be shown this.

However, should you be confronted suddenly with a situation of a mass attack, then move toward the group quickly but calmly, firmly -NOT SHOUTING – with authority saying, “Hey, hey, break it up” (can be any words). The tone is what is important. Shouting will escalate it, and may even cause the mass to turn on you! Done properly, the dogs will either scatter or remain somewhat as a group, but calmed down.

Then the two instigators can be dealt with properly, as the rest just followed along. How to do that is outside the scope of this article but is discussed in “Dog Dominance Behavior – Dog Park Ruckus.”

Use your common sense, work with your dog before taking him to a park, and avoid the pain and struggle of aggression dog dominance and other dog dominance behavior. Pay attention and exude authority and control as your dog’s pack leader.

GET HELP from Rena Murray at the